A faith filled look at fasting: how I practice biblical fasting safely, restore my body, and find peace in God during quiet seasons of renewal.
The blog provides general information about health. The information and other content should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making health decisions.
Biblical History
There are many ways to fast in the Bible, there were fasts without water, with water and even with eating vegetables. Some lasted 3 days, others 7 days, 21 or 40 days.
What Suits My Season Of Life Now
I want to share my humble experience and what I find suitable in this season of my life.
I used to fast a lot when I was younger , but with pregnancies and raising kids, it became difficult. For some time, it was no longer my priority. However, since March 2024, I have started fasting regularly again.
I normally do 1-day fast each week, when I drink only water, sometimes a cup of lemon water with about 1/4 spoon of honey. Since it is a short fast, I can eat anything afterward without negative consequences, as long as I avoid overeating ( which is never good anyway).
I have also done a few 3-day fast and three 7-day fasts during this period. These longer fasts need to be done with knowledge and wisdom.
During these fasts I drink only water – occasionally a lemon drink with the trace of honey. The honey is not meant to strengthen my body but to help disinfect the gut.
Chores And Exercise During Fasting
During a fast it is important to stay positive and encourage a good experience for your body. It’s not possible for me working while fasting, so I usually take vacation time and focus on resting and relaxing.
Although I’m not able to work, I make sure to stay somewhat active. I keep a few light chores around the house – it keeps me busy and moving. I usually cook for my family, who are not fasting – as a wife and a mom I can’t let them starve, and I might do a bit of light cleaning, but not major. Light exercise and walking is beneficial too.
It is also good to plan to do something creative during a fast, I often plan an art or a sewing project – it helps to keep my emotions positive.
Spending Time Outside
I like to spend a lot of time outdoors while fasting. The sun and fresh air help restore my body and mind energy! When I prioritize being outside, I feel almost normal, even after a few days without food. I don’t feel as weak and feeble, compared to when I stay indoors all day. Before fasting I clean up my outdoor space and set up a comfy chair with pillows and a throw blanket where I can rest. I try to stay in the direct sunlight as much as possible.
I don’t share my fasting plans with anyone except my family. I prefer to keep my peace and avoid having to defend my practice to others. There is a value in doing it quietly and I keep it to myself and my closest family.
How I Break The Fast
The last important part of a successful and beneficial fast is how you break it.
On the last day of fasting around 5 p.m., I make myself a meal of 4-5 medium tomatoes. I remove the skin (using hot and icy water method works great), cut them and simmer for a few minutes – no oil or salt. The stomach and the gut is very sensitive at this time. I eat this gradually through the evening, usually in two or three servings. I don’t have anything else that day, that is why I break my fast after 5 p.m. and then I wait until morning to eat something else. My body needs time to properly digest this first meal.
The next day, I eat mostly boiled or simmered vegetables, in the afternoon I might have a slice of a toast and put some oil on my veggies.
On the third day I add a little more food – maybe some oatmeal or buckwheat – and each day I gradually return to my normal diet. I pay close attention to how I feel and “listen” to my body’s feedback. It’s best to take this process slowly, otherwise you can seriously harm your health.
Slowly Getting Back To Regular Eating Habits
It’s crucial to be careful and not overeat. For how long? I would say for as long as you fasted. So, if you fasted for 3 days, take 3 days to return to your normal eating habits. If you fasted for 7 days, stay cautious for 7 days as well. Avoid hard-to-digest such as meat or fried dishes. Longer than 7-day fast should be broken with fresh diluted juice.
The main rule is: the longer the fast, the more time you need to return to your normal diet. I’ve personally never tried a longer fast; I find it more beneficial and safer to have three or four 7-day fasts a year, than one extended fast without medical supervision. The risk of short fast is very low, but the benefits for your health are amazing.
When planning your fast, remember that you need quiet time not only for the fasting days, but also for recovery afterwards. Avoid parties and gatherings with unhealthy foods during this period. I’ve also noticed that sometimes I feel worse on the second or third day after breaking a fast, than I did while fasting. Breaking your fast the wrong way can seriously harm your health.
You can make fasting such a good and beneficial experience for you if you follow this simple guidelines. It will be a blessing to your body, soul and spirit.
PS: In the Photo it is Day 5 of my fasting.